Covid test advice contradicts for DC

[Lookingbackatme]

We are so confused and annoyed for the contradictory advice we are getting for Covid symptoms in children.

We rang 111 last night as DS(5) has had the following symptoms:

-High temp 38 to 38.3 yesterday & this morning. Been fine since late morning today.
-Diarrhoea on Tues/Wed morning, once only each
-Vomited once last night

• Lethargic & off food yesterday only

-Runny nose and chesty cough since Sunday. Only coughs once every few hours to half a day at a time, quite literally a ‘cough cough’ and that’s it, so no coughing fits etc.

111 put us through to a clinician as the original call handler said she thought it was just a bug but wanted to double check. The clinician concluded after asking dozens of questions that it’s just a bug and he’s fine to go back to school when he’s well etc.

Today, school sent an email from PHE with a flow chart that said ALL children with high temperatures must isolate and get a test.

So 111 said it’s a bug, even with a high temp (which you can get of course) so no need for a test, and PHE said all high temps need a test.

So who’s advice would you go with?

DS(5) has been off school yesterday and today and seems absolutely fine now.

I would keep my child off school and book a test.

I got results for my son within 24 hours and he was straight back to school.

It's better to be sure.

I'd test

Test

It's 119 for a test. We had similar symptoms a month or so ago with our youngest. Even 119 seemed reluctant to give her a test as they said the vomiting suggested it wasn't Covid. Thing is school won't have them back without a test so really you need to get it done.

I would test.

The doctor is telling you it’s probably a bug. He’s right.

PHE are telling you that even if it’s a bug you need a test just in case. PHE are giving out public advice. The purpose of which is to try to prevent spread and it’s 100% risk adverse.

The doctor is giving a personal diagnosis to help you manage the condition.

But you can't get a test, I've been trying all day.

It took 5 days for us to get a test last week...unfortunately if you can't get a test, you'll have to all self isolate.

I am shocked at the 111 clinician, as they should be following guidelines as well!

Endless refreshing online will hopefully garner you a test soon op, good luck!

This whole situation is just dire and makes me feel so annoyed. DH works in education and is seething with the conflicting advice from PHE both for his schools and our situation.

DS will have to have a test despite not having had a temperature for over 12 hours now, and just has a runny nose and chesty cough.

Around 2-4 times a year he gets a temperature, vomits, lethargic and falls asleep for several hours only to wake up like nothing was ever wrong. The 111 clinician said ‘would you actually be calling 111 if it wasn’t for Covid?’ Answer is no, we are 99% sure it’s just his usual 2-4/year bug, but he’ll now probably spend a week minimum out of school while we chase a test and then wait days for the result. And any child with a stomach bug that gets a temperature is now a potential Covid case.

Rant over.

I feel your pain..had this last week. Diarrhoea and short lasting temp for Dd. Do follow the advice on here for getting a test. Took me a few hours but they did release more tests at 6.30pm.and have heard other times mentioned. Of course was negative but felt much better sending her back to school when knew.

It is frustrating
..but temperatures can be short lived if it is Covid, and the symptoms can be varied (especially in children), so at the moment, the best solution is to test and/or self isolate...it's just a shame the testing system is such a fucking shambles.

I still think the clinician was wrong to say that, because to be honest, you could say the same about the Covid symptoms - as they are symptoms that are typical of a lot of common illnesses

Can’t believe doctor said bug. Without testing they can’t possibly know for sure. Temp = isolate and test.

Don’t send in with symptoms. You’ll create this same issue for a bunch of other parents too.

Good luck.

So your child has (or had) 2 of the main 3 symptoms and you still don't think you should be testing...